TAKING ACTION
AGAINST RACISM
Racism against Black, Indigenous and People of Colour goes far deeper than the police violence we’re seeing in the news. It is systemic in the way BIPOC folks are excluded from history, government, leadership, and other positions of power. It is casual in the way people joke about hairstyles, clothing, food, and other aspects of culture (also known as microaggressions). But most importantly – it impacts BIPOC youth’s ability to interact with the very system we’re looking to change. In whatever way racism exists, it needs to be shut down. If you are feeling the weight of that struggle, know that we support you.
We can all play a part to make things better.
We can all be influencers.
We can all make change happen.
*NOTE: While this page is currently focused more on the Black community, we expect to add more links over time to be more inclusive.
READ... ABOUT THE EXPERIENCES OF BLACK PEOPLE. It’s long-past time to talk about policing of Black women in Canada Racism In Canada Is Ever-Present, But We Have A Long History Of Denial Remembering Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Colour killed by Canadian police Raising a young black man in North America today means fear, faith and hope that change will come The only Black medical student in a U of T class of 259, Chika Oriuwa graduates as valedictorian Canadian named Princeton's first black valedictorian reflects on pandemic, anti-racism protests in his speech ‘I empathize with the feelings of frustration of the protesters and these are feelings that are shared by many black people around the world, and many allies of black safety in society.’ ” Deeper dives into Anti-Black Racism in Canada: LISTEN... TO VOICES OF PEOPLE FROM BIPOC BACKGROUNDS Colour Code The Secret Life of Canada Unheard Youth Unreserved Operation Black Vote Canada Centre for Race and Culture Black Space Winnipeg 902 Man Up ByBlacks.com Never Was Average Empower’em Leading in Colour YEG The Come UP Black Lives Matter - Toronto Black Youth Helpline Black Health Alliance Black Community Resource Center (Montreal) Black Legal Action Centre Mosaic BC The Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour (SNIWWOC) ACTIVATE... TO END RACISM. Contact your Member of Parliament, but even more importantly your provincial MLA/MNA/MPP and your city/town councillor Register to vote at Elections Canada, AND also at your provincial elections body. How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change 10 Habits of Someone Who Doesn’t Know They’re Anti-Black
“...despite being generally outside of public attention, law enforcement violence against Black women has a long legacy in this country.”
“...as Black Americans reeled from the injustice of George Floyd’s death, Canadians on Twitter attempted some levity by getting “Meanwhile in Canada” trending. If only racism could be contained that way, if only it simply didn’t exist here. But it’s not helpful, because it’s false.”
“To dispel the myth that racist policing is something that happens ‘over there…’ ”
“I waited to find out the sex of my baby. I wanted it to be a surprise. Then the day finally came, and my husband Ryan said, "It's a boy!" I was both overjoyed and terrified.”
“She had a natural affinity for science. The ability to process and understand medical concepts comes easy. And when that landed her at University of Toronto’s medical school in 2016, hello, she was the only Black medical student in the class of 259.”
“Johnson said the protests make his achievement as Princeton's first black valedictorian even more significant given Princeton’s history of slave ownership.
- The Skin We’re In - Desmond Cole
- Policing Black Lives - Robyn Maynard
- Black Life - Post-BLM and the Struggle for Freedom - Rinaldo Walcott and Idil Abdillahi
- Until We Are Free: Reflections on Black Lives Matter in Canada - Edited by Rodney Diverlus, Sandy Hudson, Syrus Marcus Ware
If there’s one thing Canadians avoid, it’s talking about race. This podcast is here to change that. Join hosts Denise Balkissoon and Hannah Sung for a new conversation on race in Canada. We won’t have all the answers but we do ask bold questions.
A history podcast about the country you know and the stories you don't.
Through the medium of storytelling, and audio recording, youth from across Canada are sharing their experiences with identity, migration, and belonging. Host Rose-Eva Forgues-Jenkins travels from Edmonton to Fort St. John, Toronto, and Montreal to interview youth whose voices are often unheard in mainstream media.
Unreserved is the radio space for Indigenous community, culture, and conversation. Host Rosanna Deerchild takes you straight into Indigenous Canada, from Halifax to Haida Gwaii, from Shamattawa to Ottawa, introducing listeners to the storytellers, culture makers and community shakers from across the country.
ENGAGE... WITH BLACK LEADERS, ARTISTS,
AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS.
OBVC educates, promotes and supports Black Canadians’ participation in Canada’s political process at all levels (government, agencies, boards and commissions) and elected office. Our activities include training, resources, workshops, and events.
For over 20 years, the Edmonton Centre for Race and Culture has brought together diverse people with an interest in promoting and supporting individual, collective, and systemic change to address racism and encourage intercultural understanding. Our staff, board, and members bring a range of expertise and experiences to their work with our organization.
Black Space Winnipeg is a grassroots organization that fosters organic dialogue on everyday experiences of being Black. Spreading perspectives of Afrocentrism, and Pro-Black conversation, Black Space Winnipeg creates safe spaces for people of colour through hosting community events, artist demonstrations and workshops.
902 Man Up is primarily dedicated to the advancement of all Black Communities within Nova Scotia and shall have a particular focus on the empowerment of young black males. The expanded mandate of 902MU includes all individuals or groups at risk of marginalization and social and academic exclusion.
With over 100 writers covering topics ranging from race relations, Black Canadian history, spirituality, fitness, parenting, fashion, food and more, ByBlacks.com helps our readers live better lives. We put all of Black Canada at your fingertips, by providing a comprehensive Black Canadian business directory and a listing of Black-focused events within the Canadian community.
NWA aims to lead the way to create a culture where empowerment is accessible to you, so you can create your own version of fulfillment. With their team of creatives based in Montreal, they create and showcase community-based cultural and artistic projects with a strong social impact.
Empower’em provides accessible resources and programming that gives a voice and space to marginalized women of colour in Ottawa to develop personally, professionally and the community.
Leading in Colour provides young racialized leaders and activists with the necessary tools to conduct their advocacy. We provide training in the form of webinars, workshops, and other events aimed at developing skills that can be used to advance their causes.
Between our elders and children, Africa Centre recognizes that the youth are often forgotten. For this reason, the youth of the Africa Centre created a collective in September 2013 previously referred to as the Youth Empowerment Group, YEG. As a subset of our greater organization, we share core values and principles and presents itself as a hub of African and Caribbean youth of our greater communities.
SUPPORT... ORGANIZATIONS THAT SERVE THE BLACK COMMUNITY. OR FIND SUPPORT FOR YOURSELF.
Black Lives Matter Toronto strives to be a platform upon which black communities across Toronto can actively dismantle all forms of anti-black racism, liberate blackness, support black healing, affirm black existence, and create freedom to love and self-determine.
The Black Youth Helpline (BYH) is a not-for-profit, registered charitable organization governed by a Board of Directors. The organization serves ALL youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, resourced to promote access to culturally appropriate supports for youth, families, schools and other youth serving institutions.
The Black Health Alliance is a community-led registered charity working to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Canada.
The Black Community Resource Centre (BCRC) is a growing, resource-based organization that strengthens community capacity by providing professional support to organizations and individuals in need. The Centre is committed to helping visible minority youth rekindle their dreams, and achieve their full potential.
We are a non-profit community legal clinic that provides free legal services for low or no income Black residents of Ontario.
MOSAIC enriches communities through services and advocacy, furthering the success and sense of belonging of newcomers and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
A non-profit organization founded in Victoria, BC, Canada committed to the empowerment of women, we operate from a holistic and integrated service model that addresses the social, cultural and political realities of immigrant and indigenous communities. Our work is informed by a commitment to reproductive justice.
See more at our VOTE page.
"Ultimately, it’s going to be up to a new generation of activists to shape strategies that best fit the times. But I believe there are some basic lessons to draw from past efforts that are worth remembering."
“...while you may perceive yourself as distanced from the violent murders of Black folks, the complicity of every non-Black person in anti-Blackness amounts to the sum total of an anti-Black world.”